2011 Toy Fair: Walking Dead Figures Coming From McFarlane Toys

As we start to gear up for our 2011 New York Toy Fair coverage, we wanted to pass on news we have just received that McFarlane Toys will be doing a new line of action figures based on The Walking Dead.

In one the most creative action figure collaborations of 2011, McFarlane Toys announced today two separate deals concerning the licensing rights of "The Walking Dead." The first is with AMC to create action figures based on the original series that premiered on the network in October of last year. The second is with Robert Kirkman to also create action figures based on the comic-book series created by him. This is the first time action figures have been produced and both lines are available to retailers this Fall.

"Kirkman has created a world that is macabre and suspenseful with deeply-drawn characters: both human and zombies," said Todd McFarlane, McFarlane Toys, creative force and CEO. "Working with the creative talents of Kirkman and AMC, we have planned figures lines that authentically represent both the television and comic series  including mind-blowing details, likenesses and play action. We want to push the envelope so that the true essence of 'The Walking Dead' series is captured."

The first series of deluxe 6-inch figures is releasing in September 2011, includes four fan-favorite characters from the Image comic book including:

Each human figure includes multiple interchangeable accessories and several points of articulation for limitless possibility and customization. Each zombie figure features unique, gory, play action such as exploding heads and removable limbs. Figures are expected to sell for around $14.99 at retailers nationwide.

"I simply cannot contain my excitement over working with McFarlane Toys," said Robert Kirkman, creator of "The Walking Dead" comic-book series. "For nearly two decades McFarlane Toys have proven themselves to be leading the pack when it comes to making cool looking, innovative toys, and I'm thrilled that they're going to continue to do so with 'The Walking Dead."

AMC's "The Walking Dead" is based on the comic book series written by Robert Kirkman and published by Image Comics. The series tells the story of the months and years that follow after a zombie apocalypse. It follows a group of survivors, led by police officer Rick Grimes, who travel in search of a safe and secure home. The comic goes on to explore the challenges of life in a world overrun by zombies who take a toll on the survivors, and sometimes the interpersonal conflicts present a greater danger to their continuing survival than the zombies that roam the country. Over time, the characters are changed by the constant exposure to death and some grow willing to do anything to survive. AMC's "The Walking Dead" attracted 3.5 million adults in the 18-49 demo making it the most watched drama series in basic cable history for the demo. The series was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Television Series  Drama.

TNI will be bringing you complete coverage of everything McFarlane Toys will have on hand which includes such licenses as HALO Reach, officially licensed NBA, NHL, MLB and NFL 2011 figures and more.